HOLDEN — People packed the media center at Wachusett Regional High School, filling more than 75 audience chairs.

It was not on the agenda, but public response bubbled fervently during the Wachusett Regional School Committee meeting Monday night. Many demanded transparency regarding a recent decision by newly appointed Superintendent Darryll McCall not to renew the contracts of two principals.

Mark Aucoin, principal of the Davis Hill Elementary School in Holden, and Siobhan Dennis, principal at Glenwood Elementary School in Rutland, were recently informed by Mr. McCall that their contracts would not be renewed, effective July 1. On Friday, Davis Hill and Glenwood families also learned that Jay Norton, assistant principal at Davis Hill, and Karen Cappucci, assistant principal at Glenwood, had both been promoted to principal at their schools.

More than 100 people, including former selectmen, union representatives, parents, teachers and students held signs and wore shirts in support of Mr. Aucoin and Mrs. Dennis, and pleaded with the school committee to explore further and question Mr. McCall's decision.

School board Chairman Lance Harris led with opening remarks indicating his appreciation for the turnout, and reiterated the parameters within which the committee can be involved in the appointment of educators and administration.

"I have received numerous emails about this issue not being on the agenda," said Mr. Harris, who was advised by the school's lawyers on the issue. "After careful consideration, I have determined that they will not be discussed by this committee. Personnel decisions are not public record. The superintendent cannot discuss the legal situation. Repeatedly asking him would only invite the same response over and over again."

Mr. Harris added that committee members could not speak as "members of the public," as doing so would relinquish their roles as members.

"Silence at this table does not necessarily equate to opposition or to agreement," he said.

Nearly 15 people took the podium at the public hearing, both as individuals and as representatives for a group. Some read letters from their students, and their children.

Surrounded by some 20 people behind her, fifth-grade teacher Paula Atlas launched the hearing with a passionate statement in defense of Mrs. Dennis.

"We stand before you as one to express our support for an outstanding leader," Ms. Atlas said. "We know it may be a very personal risk to ourselves and our jobs. In December 2012, Glenwood was lucky enough to have someone such as Mrs. Dennis enter our lives. She has touched the lives of teachers, aides and parents, but most importantly, students."

As with all the speakers, Ms. Atlas' remarks were met with a thunderous round of applause from the audience, standing.

Resident Regina Lucas said, "One of the roles of the superintendent is to make decisions, but he should also take advice from staff and parents. The school committee does work for our community as well. The answer we have been given, that this is a personnel issue, is not enough. We are looking for the committee to find answers as to why this has happened. There have been zero grievances against her (Mrs. Dennis)."

Other speakers echoed the sentiment, adding that they not only expressed concern and remorse over the non-renewals for Mrs. Dennis and Mr. Aucoin, but equal concern over the process. Demanding documentation and an explanation, speakers wanted to know the existing procedures in place that could, and would, lead to non-renewal of a contract.

A majority spoke in defense of Mrs. Dennis, and Mr. Aucoin garnered support as well.

"Davis Hill has a rare quality that is difficult to put into words," said parent Robin Chapman. "Several parents in town have told me they wished their kids went there. It's the result of rare leadership. To the school committee — you hire, fire, evaluate and oversee the superintendent. You are elected officials. I stand here with many parents deeply shocked and concerned about the dismissals and the manner and timing that they were carried out."

Mr. McCall, administrators and school committee members declined to speak publicly on the issue.

Rutland resident Michael Hennigan delivered one question to Mr. Harris: "Does the school committee have the right to repeal the decision that was made?"

"There is no policy in place that would allow us to overturn the decision of the superintendent," Mr. Harris replied.

"I would like to remind you that you work for us, the taxpayers and parents, and we deserve to hear a reason as to why this was the best reason for the district," said Rutland resident Ed Novak, the parent of a Glenwood student.

Louis Cornacchioli, a Rutland resident, teacher at Wachusett Regional High School until 1988, and recently retired teachers association representative, vowed to take the issue to the state Legislature, arguing that the non-renewals were done illegally and Mr. McCall had not conducted the appropriate evaluations.

"I don't know Mrs. Dennis, but I'm concerned about consistency," said Mr. Cornacchioli. "Consistency is important and it starts at the top. This is an amazing Level 1 school. That's a tribute to the students and the parents and the staff that have worked so hard. We do not need a fourth principal. Everyone I have heard from tonight says this woman is doing a wonderful job.

"I find it hard to believe that the person who takes over as chief can determine that someone cannot be reappointed without evaluating them. I strongly urge the superintendent to follow the evaluation process. I'm going to take this to the Department of Education. I am retired and have plenty of time."

Both Mr. Norton and Ms. Cappucci had declined to discuss their contracts and appointment process. Mr. McCall told the Telegram & Gazette last week that he has a "unique vantage point to see what is in the best interest of the district. I don't make decisions in haste, and I don't make decisions lightly. I want to make sure we can continue to move the district forward."